As any thriving practice knows, growth often comes with the need for more hands on deck. At the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute in Versailles, Kentucky, Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD is welcoming five new members to his dedicated team to meet the increasing demand for vision therapy and neuro-optometric rehabilitation services.
The Children’s Vision and Learning Center, founded by Dr. Graebe in 2000 under the Family Eyecare Associates, has now evolved into the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute. The clinic continues to see more patients from across Central and Southern Kentucky, including the greater Lexington area. With referrals coming from other optometrists, occupational therapists, and teachers, Dr. Graebe’s reputation as a pediatric eye doctor and neuro optometrist specializing in complex cases has led to significant growth. His commitment to taking on challenging cases that others might shy away from has fueled this expansion.
Meeting the Needs of the Community
Currently, the clinic employs three optometrists, four vision therapists, five technicians, an optician, and an office manager. However, to better serve their patients, Dr. Graebe has recently added Andrew Chulu, a full-time vision therapist, and is set to welcome Dr. Kevin Skidmore, an optometrist who will join the team in July. In addition, three new vision therapists are completing their training and will begin working with patients by June.
“We’ve had big demand from our patients and referrals from other doctors,” Dr. Graebe said. “When other doctors say, ‘I don’t know what to do about this,’ that’s when they send patients to us.”
Tackling Complex Cases
One such case that highlights the clinic’s unique approach involved a high school baseball player from Barbourville, Kentucky. The young athlete had no issues with his vision when looking forward or down, but when he tried to catch a fly ball, he saw two balls coming at him. His regular optometrist couldn’t pinpoint the problem and referred him to Dr. Graebe’s clinic.
Through Dr. Graebe’s expertise in neuro-optometric rehabilitation, the teen was able to address his vision issues, improving not only his game but also his overall quality of life. It’s this willingness to take on the most challenging cases that sets the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute apart.
Why Vision Therapy?
Vision therapy is a form of physical therapy that works on the connection between the eyes, brain, and body. It helps patients overcome issues like lazy eye, crossed eyes, double vision, and convergence inefficiency, and also addresses learning disabilities related to vision. This holistic approach to vision care is becoming more widely recognized, with more doctors referring patients for these therapies than ever before.
Dr. Graebe’s practice has continued to grow not just because of these referrals but also due to the increasing awareness among patients. “Our growth tells me that we are doing a good job,” Dr. Graebe shared. “It is affirmation that we are making a difference in people’s lives.”
Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Graebe Today
If your child is struggling with vision problems, or if you’ve been referred by another healthcare provider, now is the perfect time to schedule a consultation. Our clinic, with locations in Versailles serving the greater Lexington area and Somerset, is one of the few pediatric specialty practices in Central and Southern Kentucky.
To schedule an appointment, call us at 859-879-0089 today. Let us help you find a solution to even the most challenging vision issues.
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This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD as compiled and written by John Lynch.